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Portsmouth makes it the only island-city in the United Kingdom. The island itself forms the eastern edge of a fine natural harbour (Portsmouth Harbour), the advantages of which have led to Portsmouth's long history as a naval base, which continues to this day. Portsmouth was home, for many years, to the Royal Navy's flag ship, HMS Ark Royal, until she was decommissioned in January 2011. Portsmouth was one of the most heavily fortified towns in Britain in the 19th century, when Lord Palmerstone, fearing a French invasion built massive sea fortresses at strategic points in The Solent, backed up defensive lines on the [[Gosport]] peninsula and the long ridge of Portsdown Hill to protect the base against a feared French attack. However, Portsmouth had been defended long before, with the first defensive and ports structures built by the Romans in the northern reaches of the harbour. Some structures remain to this day, and the etymology of the name of this area of the harbour ("Portchester") betrays its Roman origins. Later on, the Tudors strengthened the defences of the approach to the harbour by developing Southsea Castle and the early elements of the "Hot Walls" along the islands south-western coast, by the harbour mouth. These survive today, in a much upgraded form. The Round Tower, one piece of these defences by the harbour mouth, is frequently used by well-wishers and family to send off and welcome home the ships of the Royal Navy.  

Portsmouth makes it the only island-city in the United Kingdom. The island itself forms the eastern edge of a fine natural harbour (Portsmouth Harbour), the advantages of which have led to Portsmouth's long history as a naval base, which continues to this day. Portsmouth was home, for many years, to the Royal Navy's flag ship, HMS Ark Royal, until she was decommissioned in January 2011. Portsmouth was one of the most heavily fortified towns in Britain in the 19th century, when Lord Palmerstone, fearing a French invasion built massive sea fortresses at strategic points in The Solent, backed up defensive lines on the [[Gosport]] peninsula and the long ridge of Portsdown Hill to protect the base against a feared French attack. However, Portsmouth had been defended long before, with the first defensive and ports structures built by the Romans in the northern reaches of the harbour. Some structures remain to this day, and the etymology of the name of this area of the harbour ("Portchester") betrays its Roman origins. Later on, the Tudors strengthened the defences of the approach to the harbour by developing Southsea Castle and the early elements of the "Hot Walls" along the islands south-western coast, by the harbour mouth. These survive today, in a much upgraded form. The Round Tower, one piece of these defences by the harbour mouth, is frequently used by well-wishers and family to send off and welcome home the ships of the Royal Navy.  

During the [[Second World War]] Portsmouth suffered heavy bombing by the [[Luftwaffe]], and was extensively redeveloped in the 1950's and 60's a result, which has resulted in the loss of much of the architectural heritage of the city centre.

During the [[Second World War]] Portsmouth suffered heavy bombing by the [[Luftwaffe]], and was extensively redeveloped in the 1950s and 60's a result, which has resulted in the loss of much of the architectural heritage of the city centre.

Famous historic ships which can be visited in Portsmouth include [[HMS Victory]], HMS Warrior and the remains of Henry VIII's flagship [[Mary Rose]], which sank not far off shore.  

Famous historic ships which can be visited in Portsmouth include [[HMS Victory]], HMS Warrior and the remains of Henry VIII's flagship [[Mary Rose]], which sank not far off shore.